Paul Vallas, Former Chief Executive Officer for Chicago Public Schools | X
Paul Vallas, Former Chief Executive Officer for Chicago Public Schools | X
Paul Vallas, former CEO of Chicago Public Schools, said that recent violence highlights an increase in shootings and murders in Chicago, despite claims of declining crime. The statement was made on the social media platform X.
"While Mayor Johnson congratulates himself for the decline in crime, Chicago, is off to a bloody July," said Vallas, Former Chief Executive Officer. "From July 1-5 through noon, at least 82 people shot, 14 murdered, 5 mass shootings including 18 shot in River North and 7 in Back of the Yards."
Chicago has experienced significant changes in violent crime trends in recent years. City officials have implemented new public safety strategies following a spike in homicides in 2021. According to Fox 32 Chicago, through June 2025, the city saw a 33% reduction in homicides compared to the previous year, reflecting ongoing efforts at police reform and community engagement. However, a recent surge in shootings over the July 4 holiday weekend has reignited debate about the effectiveness of these public safety policies.
From July 1–5, 2025, Chicago police reported at least 50 people shot and six killed, including a high-profile mass shooting in River North that left four dead and fourteen wounded. ABC 7 Chicago detailed that this period accounted for a sharp uptick in violence compared to previous weeks and disrupted a downward trend in shootings earlier in the year.
According to the Chicago Police Department, the July 1–5 period saw more shootings and homicides than the same timeframe in 2023 and 2024 when the city recorded roughly 30–40% fewer violent incidents during early July holiday weekends. This year's spike has prompted renewed concern about maintaining public safety gains during the summer months.
Vallas is a veteran administrator who served as the first CEO of Chicago Public Schools from 1995 to 2001 and later led large urban school districts in Philadelphia and New Orleans. He ran for Chicago mayor in 2023 on a platform focused on crime reduction and school reform. Vallas is known for implementing strict budget controls and public safety initiatives.
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district in the United States, serving over 300,000 students. It is governed by a Board of Education that has transitioned toward more community-elected representation. According to its official website, CPS’s mission is to deliver high-quality, equitable education and is recognized for its evolving governance model and focus on student achievement.
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